TWO people have died and three have been seriously injured in a horror head-on smash on a busy A-road.
Emergency services were scrambled to the A1 in Northumberland at around 4am this morning after receiving reports of a two-vehicle collision.
A silver Nissan Juke is understood to have collided with a blue Vauxhall Corsa on the busy road.
The drivers of both vehicles – a woman in her 50s and a man in his 40s – were sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
A woman in her 20s, a secondary-school-aged boy and another female in her 20s were all seriously injured in the smash.
All three were rushed to hospital where they are understood to be in a serious condition.
The woman in her 20s and the young boy are understood to have been passengers in the Nissan.
The other woman in her 20s was reportedly a passenger in the Vauxhall.
Police have informed the families of all five of the victims of the fatal collision.
A section of the A1 between Ellingham and Purdy Lodge was closed in both directions for around ten hours as emergency crews worked at the chaotic scene.
The road has since reopened with officers from Northumbria Police now asking for witnesses to come forward as they investigate the deadly smash.
Sergeant Alex Partington, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is a devastating incident where two people have tragically lost their lives, while three others remain in a serious condition.
“I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of all affected at this incredibly difficult time, and we will continue to support them in any way we can.
“Our investigation to establish the exact circumstances leading to this collision is now underway, and we are already conducting a range of enquiries.
“We are now appealing to any motorists or witnesses who were travelling in the area at this time to come forward.
“We are particularly keen to hear from those who have dashcam footage which may have captured the collision or this section of road in the moments leading up to it.
“No matter how insignificant your information may seem, it could prove vital to our investigation and help provide answers to the loved ones of all affected.”
